MEC for Health, the former Minister of Health and the First Lady to launch a campaign on cervical cancer, cancer is preventable and treatable! Early detection saves lives!
MEC for Health (Dr Dhlomo), former Minister of Health (Dr Tshabalala-Msimang), the First Lady (Mrs Madiba-Zuma), eThekwini Municipality and Khanya Africa; will lead a campaign to screen women of child bearing age to screen for cervical cancer. The campaign was announced by the MEC during his budget vote in July and is called phila ma project.
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasise (spread) to distant sites. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding exposure to common risk factors, such as many sexual partners. In addition, a significant proportion of cancers can be cured, by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, especially if they are detected early.
“Phila ma” literally translated to means; ‘be healthy woman’ will seek to educate women about the disease and quality of health, as it has been revealed that lack of knowledge was a major challenge for the detection of cervical cancer. The campaign will also try to develop user-friendly material in vernacular languages to make it easier for women. It will also seek to call on the communities and partners, in particular, to get involved in combating the illness.
The campaign is premised on the theme that; early detection saves lives and cancer is preventable and treatable! Screening refers to the use of simple tests across a healthy population in order to identify individuals who have disease, but do not yet have symptoms. Examples include breast cancer screening using mammography and cervical cancer screening using cytology screening methods, including pap smears.
The First Lady of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr May Mashego-Mkhize, has also committed to join a campaign to promote maternal, child and women’s health and rights as an Ambassador.
The campaign will be launched in eThekwini area of Inanda (Amaoti; Community Hall) on 11 August 2009 at 09h00.
Journalists and reporters are invited to be part of the campaign.
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
10 August 2009
